Full contact with Elias 'The Spartan' Theodorou ahead of UFC 231

Get to know mixed martial artist Elias Theodorou as he discusses life as a UFC fighter ahead of his bout with Eryk Anders at UFC 231 in Toronto.

The emphatic ringing of the interval timer concludes the intense sparring session for professional mixed martial artist Elias Theodorou, as he prepares for his upcoming appearance at UFC 231 in Toronto.

The Canadian is scheduled to go head-to-head against American Eryk ‘Ya Boi’ Anders in a Middleweight bout at the Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 8.

Born and raised in Mississauga, Ont., Theodorou was introduced to MMA later than most professional fighters.

The proud Greek-Canadian tried a martial arts class in university. His career soared when he got his professional start on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter Series. He soon went on to be the first Canadian win the series.

“The Spartan” got his fighting moniker during his early beginnings when his former coach told him he admired his “Spartan mentality.”

“I’d be training and getting the crap beaten out of me,” Theodorou said.” But I had that fighting spirit and never quit.”

That dedication has followed him into to his professional career, having always made it to the end of every round he’s fought.

Several of Theodorou’s professional bouts have turned into bloody wars.

“There’s no real quit in me,” he said.

“I never gave up then and I will never give up now.”

That same attitude has helped Theodorou fight a different opponent outside the cage.